CANINE TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME

Proper name – Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome

Important – may mimic symptoms of Kennel Cough; however Kennel Cough is seldom accompanied by high fevers and severe systemic illness. Early alternative diagnoses and treatment of Canine Toxic Shock is essential if the dog is to have any chance of survival.

Another alternative diagnoses is poisoning, symptoms are similar to those produced by ingestion of rat poison.

Owner’s report that the dog goes from healthy and vibrant to dangerously ill in a matter of hours, typical outcome dog escalates to passing away within 8 – 12 hours.

Symptoms: depression, shock, high fever, hypo tension.

The dog becomes extremely weak, tending to lie on their side, unable to move. The dog may have some rigidity and fine muscle spasms or convulsions. They also develop a deep unproductive cough. This is followed by haemorrhaging from nasal and mouth and may be accompanied by bloody diarrhoea.

Treatment: Early diagnosis is crucial. Aggressive shock therapy and administration of inject able antibiotics but only effective in early stages of disease. The mortality rate increases dramatically to 70 – 80% with the onset of haemorrhaging.

Prevention: No vaccination is available and unlikely to be so because of the way the toxins interfere with the functioning of the immune system.

Transmission: Not enough is known as the short space between onset and death mean that many cases are unreported or misdiagnosed. Not thought to be particularly contagious.

Some indication that direct mouthing between dogs during play; or direct handling of different dog’s mouths can transmit the disease.